Recognition of a rare intrathoracic rib with computed tomography: a case report / 대한해부학회지

One of the uncommon congenital variations is intrathoracic rib which a normal, a bifid, or an accessory rib lies within the thoracic cavity that is founded accidentally. Clinically, in most cases they are without symptoms; however, it may cause intrathoracic problems therefore it is important for radiologists and physicians to identify to prevent of excessive intervention and treatment during imaging diagnostic techniques of thoracic problems. In this report, we provide the case of a rare presentation of an intrathoracic rib in a 3-year-old boy arising from the inferior portion of a second rib based on findings from computed tomography. To our knowledge, this is only the second reported case of this type of intrathoracic rib that demonstrated with computed tomography.

DNA methylation and histone acetylation patterns in cultured bovine adipose tissue-derived stem cells [BADSCs]

Many studies have focused on the epigenetic characteristics of donor cells to improve somatic cell nuclear transfer [SCNT]. We hypothesized that the epigenetic status and chromatin structure of undifferentiated bovine adipose tissue-derived stem cells [BADSCs] would not remain constant during different passages. The objective of this study was to determine the mRNA expression patterns of DNA methyltransferases [DNMT1, DNMT3a, DNMT3b] and histone deacetyltransferses [HDAC1, HDAC2, HDAC3] in BADSCs. In addition, we compared the measured levels of octamer binding protein-4 expression [OCT4] and acetylation of H3K9 [H3K9ac] in BADSCs cultures and different passages in vitro. In this experimental study, subcutaneous fat was obtained from adult cows immediately post-mortem. Relative level of DNMTs and HDACs was examined using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction [q-PCR], and the level of OCT4 and H3K9ac was analyzed by flow cytometry at passages 3 [P3], 5 [P5] and 7 [P7]. The OCT4 protein level was similar at P3 and P5 but a significant decrease in its level was seen at P7. The highest and lowest levels of H3K9ac were observed at P5 and P7, respectively. At P5, the expression of HDACs and DNMTs was significantly decreased. In contrast, a remarkable increase in the expression of DNMTs was observed at P7. Our data demonstrated that the epigenetic status of BADSCs was variable during culture. The P5 cells showed the highest level of stemness and multipotency and the lowest level of chromatin compaction. Therefore, we suggest that P5 cells may be more efficient for SCNT compared with other passages

effect of melatonin on maturation, glutathione level and expression of HMGB1 gene in brilliant cresyl blue [BCB] stained immature oocyte

Nutrients and antioxidants in the medium of immature oocyte have a profound effect on maturation, fertilization and development of resulting embryos. In this study the effects of melatonin as an antioxidant agent on maturation, glutathione level and expression of high mobility group box-1 [HMGB1] gene were evaluated in immature oocytes of mice stained with brilliant cresyl blue [BCB]. In this experimental study, immature oocytes were harvested from ovaries of Naval Medical Research Institute [NMRI] mice. Oocytes were stained with 26 Micro M BCB for 90 minutes and transferred to in vitro maturation medium containing varying doses of melatonin [10[-12], 10[-9], 10[-6], 10[-3] M] and without melatonin, for 22-24 hours. Maturation was monitored using an inverted microscope. Glutathione was assessed by monochlorobimane [MCB] staining and HMGB1 expression in mature oocyte was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. Melatonin in the concentration of 10[-6] M had the most effect on maturation and HMGB1 expression of BCB+ oocytes [p<0.05]. Meanwhile melatonin had no effects on glutathione levels. Additionally in immature BCB- oocytes, compared to the control group, melatonin did not affect cytoplasm maturation [p>0.05]. In vitro treatment with melatonin increases the maturation and HMGB1 expression in BCB+ immature oocytes and has no significant effect on glutathione levels

[Determination of cephalic index and shape of head in adult female students in Birjand city during 2013]

Background and Aim: Cephalometery, as one of the most significant section of anthropometry examines the facial and cephalic indeces. Since the measurements are affected by geographical factors, gender, age, and race, the obtained results are based on the community under study. Regarding lack of investigations on cephalometry in Birjand, the present study aimed at determining cephalic indexes and standard classification of neurocranium in 15-17 year old female students in the city in 2013

Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 437 healthy female 15-17 year old students in Birjand during 2013, who were selected through cluster sampling. Then, cephalic indices of the subjects were determined using standard Martin Scale Cephalometer, according to Gray's Anatomy Cephalometric Method. The obtained data were collected according were analyzed using SPSS soft ware [V:13]

Results: Mean maximum head length and breadth in the subjects were found to be 177.6 +/- 7.54mm and 141.6 +/- 5.84mm, respectively. Total neurocranium index was determined 79.88 +/- 4.64 mm. The head shape of 43% of the individuals was mesocephalic, 33/4% brachycephalic, 12/12% hyperbrachycephalic and 11/44% dolichocephalic

Conclusion: The present study on cephalometry revealed that adult female students in Birjand city mostly have a mesocephalic phenotype

New single nucleotide variation in the promotor region of androgen receptor [AR] gene in hypospadic patients

Hypospadias is one of the most common congenital abnormalities in the male which is characterized by altered development of urethra, foreskin and ventral surface of the penis. Androgen receptor gene plays a critical role in the development of the male genital system by mediating the androgens effects. In present study, we looked for new variations in androgen receptor promotor and screened its exon 1 for five single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNP] in healthy and hypospadias Iranian men. In our study, at first DNA was extracted from patients [n=100] and controls [n=100] blood samples. Desired fragments of promoter and exon 1 were amplified using polymerase chain reaction. The promoter region was sequenced for the new variation and exone 1 screened for five SNPs [rs139767835, rs78686797, rs62636528, rs62636529, rs145326748] using restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. The results showed a new single nucleotide variation [CT] at -480 of two patients' promoter region [2%]. None of the mentioned SNPs were detected in patients and controls groups [0%].This finding indicates that new single nucleotide polymorphism in androgen receptor promoter may have role in etiology of hypospadias and development of this anomaly